We’ve all had the experience of repeating a command to our dog. Or maybe you’ve had the experience of pulling your dog along as he refuses to walk in the direction you want. Some dogs want to please their owners at all costs—they are thrilled to do what you ask. Others just want to do their own thing. Here’s a list of five of the most stubborn dog breeds.
1. Akitas
Although an amazing companion, your Akita is a dog with a job. They are loyal and protective of their family, meaning they are always on alert. Like most guard dogs, they enjoy their job and won’t let anything get in the way. This sense of duty can make them single-minded and bullheaded, willing to ignore your commands to stay on duty.
Other guard dogs, like Mastiffs, Rottweilers, Chow Chows, and Great Pyrenees, can be similar—the skills that make them good guard dogs also can make them difficult to train. This independence can make them seem aloof, but it also means they are quick learners and loyal to the ones they love. When given plenty of mental stimulation and firm boundaries, guard dogs like Akitas will be affectionate and loyal companions.
2. Bulldogs
Some dogs don’t listen because they’ve got something else they’d rather be doing. Other dogs, however, don’t listen because they’d rather do nothing. Bulldogs pack this lazy stubbornness into a barrel-shaped body that can be extremely difficult to move if they decide they’d rather not. If you give them a command, they may respond with a look that seems to say, “What’s in it for me?” Forcing them to do something they don’t want may end in frustrated snorts and feet dragging.
However, if there is something in it for them, you’ll be surprised how quickly they spring up and jump into action. Bulldog stubbornness is selective, not other flat-faced dog breeds. But fortunately, they are highly food-motivated. When in doubt, offer a tasty reward and you’ll have a very obedient snuggle buddy.
3. Jack Russell Terriers
This breed became an iconic TV and movie dog due its perky personality and high potential for training. However, these little high-energy dogs are stubborn geniuses. Their cleverness and high energy can make them a handful—they will outsmart you AND outrun you. Without consistent training, firm boundaries, and lots of mental stimulation, they can be destructive and rebellious.
If your Jack Russell finds you boring, then she will find ways to entertain herself that you don’t agree with. This is the kind of dog that will turn down the treat in your hand because she’s convinced, she can just steal the whole box of treats when you aren’t looking. Fortunately, you can harness their playful energy if you are both consistent and the gateway to what they want. A stubborn-smart dog, like Poodles, Beagles, and Scottish Terriers, will always keep you on your toes!
4. Basset Hounds
You may think the Basset Hound is lethargy-embodied, but don’t mistake their repose for reliability. Not unlike the Bulldog, sometimes they’d rather do nothing, but really, they’d rather do their own thing. You’ll see their stubbornness manifest when they are on the hunt. Basset hounds are notorious for getting lost, following a scent for miles, undeterred by their owner’s rules and expectations.
Scent hounds like Bassets, Bloodhounds, Dachshunds, and Foxhounds have a one-track mind once they pick up an interesting smell. This independence means they won’t always want to listen to you; they are totally fine on their own. Otherwise, they are easy-going and a great family dog. Just make sure you have a good fence and smelly treats.
5. Samoyeds
This ancient breed has an appropriately mischievous smile permanently painted on its face. If you ignore a bored Samoyed, they will find the most creative, and destructive, ways to entertain themselves. Then, if you offer an alternative activity that they find less appealing, they will proudly decline and do their own thing. Samoyeds, like Huskies and Malamutes, are notoriously vocal as well, barking or howling in your face like a teenager talking back to you.
These dogs won’t work for free—you must have a reward they want, and they must know how to get it. They are quick learners, but easily distracted and not motivated to please you like most Labrador and Golden Retrievers. Part of the trick is making it their idea to follow the command: Make training fun for them by avoiding repetitive commands and giving big rewards when they hit their mark, then you’ll have an exuberant training partner.
